Home → Main News ( July 24, 2024 )
The Blue Ridge School Board was treated to a light show as a severe electrical storm passed over during its July meeting on the 15th. With the Elementary School building undergoing some renovations, the meeting was held in the High School Library. Lights blinking on and off interrupted Nick Swaha's report on spring sports; until all but some emergency lighting left most of the meeting in darkness. Undaunted, members nonetheless accepted a 31-point agenda that included the hiring of 3 new teachers.
As is their custom, the meeting began by recognizing the achievements of some of the district's students. Two softball players accepted certificates by Board resolution recognizing their outstanding senior season. Leigha McCain and Kendall Farthing each posted batting averages over .400 for the season just past.
Board President Jessica Wright at left, with softball standouts seniors Kendall Farthing, center, and Leigha McCain
Head Coach Lori Zick led the boys volleyball team to a 20-2 record, first in the conference, and accepted recognition on behalf of her players.
Boys varsity volleyball coach Lori Zick at left, with Board President Jessica Wright
Mr. Swaha detailed the records of each of the Blue Ridge teams this past spring season. He especially highlighted the achievements of Luke Shea, Jackson Maby and Connor Cranage.
Blue Ridge will be spending big beginning this summer on major capital projects, with a total cost of over $2.5 million (including "contingency" amounts of about 10%). Projects include replacing outside doors; repointing brick work; replacing sidewalks (including heating); beginning work on the new softball field down School Road; and upgrading security and access control throughout. Most of this had already been approved by the Board; the latter was approved at this meeting in an amount over $600,000 on a contract with Urban Electrical Contractors, Inc. of Scranton. When all is complete, the district's capital reserve will be drawn down to just over $2 million.
Among other items, the Board welcomed Sarah Bowman as a first grade teacher, Laura Beth Sedlak as a middle school math teacher, and Jennifer Cady as a long-term middle/high school substitute for the 2024-2025 school year.
New Blue Ridge teachers, from left, Sarah Bowman, Jennifer Cady and Laura Beth Sedlak
In addition, Paul Oliver, middle school STEM teacher is transferred to the high school; counselor Tiffany Brewer resigned her position; and Amanda Williams withdrew her appointment as first grade teacher. Lori Zick was appointed girls' volleyball head coach, and Henry Glover was appointed varsity softball head coach for the 2024-2025 season. Brandy Gaylord was appointed Federal Programs Coordinator for the next school year.
Other items:
Among other things, the Board agreed to scheduling graduation next year on Friday, June 13, 2025 (should be a lucky day), rather than Saturday, with Honors Night the day before.
Several years ago, the Board at the time established its own scholarship fund, which was managed internally. It will henceforth be maintained by the Susquehanna County Community Foundation, and has had a substantial infusion from Coterra Energy.
The Blue Ridge website has been completely revamped. General factotum Matthew Nebzydoski recognized the effort of technology coordinator Dawn Crook who created the new site while maintaining the old one, and bringing the updated site to completion.
The next public meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm. It may or may not be held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Visitors to School Street in Harford have noticed that the old creamery building is boarded up. Josh Olivo owns the building that had been lately used for apartments. At the Harford Township Supervisors meeting on July 16th, he described his plans to restore the structure to its historical appearance. He doesn't know yet just how the building will be configured, whether for a smaller number of apartments, or something else. But first he needs help with a neighboring property.
At the request of Supervisor Dustin Walker, Mr. Olivo put his problem in writing, which he laid out at the meeting. The property adjoining the creamery building has been condemned, but remains in deplorable condition, home to a horde of feral cats and other critters, creating unbearable odors. What can be done?
Condemned 4 years ago, the owners haven't taken any action. The township now must seek to have the building demolished. To do that, the township must own it. So the supervisors agreed to have their solicitor restart proceedings to bring the matter before the court. All that will take a while, and the township would then have to find the money to clear the property. But at least some action is under way.
The Harford creamery, at left as rebuilt after a fire in 1911, at right as it looks today
Representatives of the local volunteer fire company attended the meeting to ask for help with the acquisition and outfitting of a new brush truck. A 2019 Ford F250 donated by a gas company will need a few thousand dollars of upgrades for use by the firemen. They would like to make the purchase from Powell Equipment of Clarks Summit through the state COSTARS cooperative purchasing program. A COSTARS purchase would be cheaper, but the fire company can't participate in COSTARS itself. There would be no cost to the Township, if Harford would sponsor the COSTARS purchase. The Supervisors are supportive, but will ask their solicitor for approval before proceeding.
The Supervisors agreed to spend $2,203 with BriteSpan Building Systems (a Canadian company) to outfit the new storage building addition with electric door openers, complete with 6 remotes, one for each township vehicle.
Still looking for workers, Mr. Walker reported that 13 applications had been received. He called for an executive session following the public meeting to consider them.
According to the Treasurer's report, the Township's coffers are flush. The Act 13 "impact fee" for 2024 having been deposited, the Township's accounts now total over $2.2 million.
Come see how they plan to spend it all at the next public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024 beginning at 7:00pm at the Township offices on Route 547.